It’s time to head back to 1941 and the classic British spy thriller Cottage to Let starring the brilliant Alastair Sim. Having recently been released on to blu-ray by Network following a restoration I’m eager to see the results. So without further ado here’s my Cottage to Let blu-ray review.
- Cottage to Let (1941)
- Genre: British Spy Thriller
- Directed by Anthony Asquith
- UK Rating: U
- Discs: 1
- Released By Network
- Blu-ray Released: 16 March 2020
Plot
John Barrington is working on an invention that could give Britain the edge it needs against the Nazis. However things are about get become a little busy when Mrs. Barrington invites two boys evacuated due to the war to stay at a cottage on the estate. Further complicating matters is the fact she has also agreed to let it out to Charles Dimble (Alastair Sim) whilst also agreeing to allow it be a military hospital.
When RAF pilot Flight Lieutenant Perry is forced to parachute out of his plane he is picked up and brought to the cottage for treatment.
However with so many people milling around anyone of them could be a spy. That would pose a threat to John Barrington’s war work.
Style / Direction
The film’s directed by Anthony Asquith and is mix between light comedy and spy thriller. It’s the perfect blend really. Meanwhile the man responsible for the cinematography on the film is Jack E. Cox.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is provided by Charles Williams.
Acting / Characters
The acting simply superb, everyone produces fine performances with Alastair Sim at his usual brilliance. Leslie Banks as John Barrington, the genius that could sway the war is well cast. So too is John Mills as the Flight Lieutenant on a mission. Is it to steal secrets or the heart of his nurse Helen Barrington?
All are fabulous performances but there’s another worthy of mention. Yes I’m referring to a young George Cole as Ronald, an evacuee. Put simply he is brilliant and this performance makes it perfectly clear just how much talent he had at such a young age. He cocky and intelligent and adds plenty of comedic value, in other words he’s a natural.
Cast
- Leslie Banks as John Barrington
- Alastair Sim as Charles Dimble
- John Mills as Flight Lieutenant Perry
- Jeanne de Casalis as Mrs. Barrington
- Carla Lehmann as Helen Barrington
- George Cole as Ronald
- Michael Wilding as Alan Trently
- Frank Cellier as Ernest Forest
- Muriel Aked as Miss Fernery
- Wally Patch as Evans
- Muriel George as Mrs. Trimm
- Hay Petrie as Dr. Truscott
- Catherine Lacey as Mrs. Stokes
Conclusion: Cottage to Let (1941) Film Review
Cottage to Let (1941) is not a film I’d seen before although I am a huge fan of films starring Alastair Sim. I really enjoyed it. The story is entertainingly told, the acting is of the highest order and this all results in must see experience.
If you enjoyed my Cottage to Let blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
Conclusion: Cottage to Let Blu-ray Review
The restoration has gone well as the picture quality if pretty much flawless. This classic black and white film now has a clean and sharp image and furthermore I never spotted a single mark throughout the 90 minutes running time. If only all of Alastair Sim films released by Network were of this standard.
The extras are barebones with just the image gallery included. That said I’d much rather a full and proper restoration carried out like the one we have here than stuffing a whole load of extras onto the disc instead.
Good job Network and all those involved in the restoration, this is how I wish to view my classic movies.
Cottage to Let (1941) receives the Popcorn Cinema Show recommended seal of approval for being fabulous film and an excellent blu-ray release.
Extras
- Image Gallery
Cottage to Let (1941) Blu-ray
Cottage to Let (1941) blu-ray is available now from Amazon.
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Popcorn Cinema Rating: Cottage to Let (1941)
MOVIE RATING: MUST SEE
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: BASIC
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
Cottage to Let (1941) Film Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip representative of the blu-ray version
That concludes my Cottage to Let blu-ray review, I’m aiming to review more classic British films soon. What’s next? Check back soon…
Summary: Cottage to Let (1941) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Cottage to Let (1941)
Duration: 90 mins
Director(s): Anthony Asquith
Actor(s): Alastair Sim, Leslie Banks, John Mills, Jeanne de Casalis, Carla Lehmann, George Cole
Genre: Thriller
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
Fabulously entertaining Alastair Sim British spy thriller
Pros
- Fully Restored
- Stars Alastair Sim, John Mills, Leslie Banks & George Cole
- Entertaining Story
Cons
- No real extras included
